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Home / Hair Styling Tools / Hair Dryers / 7 Best Travel Hair Dryers – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2023)

7 Best Travel Hair Dryers – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2023)

You want your hair to look dazzling wherever you are. That is especially important if you get confidence from beautiful and styled hair, and most people do. And that is why we are on the hunt for the best travel hair dryer on the market.
It was not an easy quest because we were looking for compact and lightweight units. At the same time, they had to perform well and ensure excellent results wherever you use them. If you are traveling to other countries and continents, you may need a dryer with dual voltage support. That means you do not have to worry about the power source type – your appliance will work either way.
If you are ready, check out our travel hair dryer reviews of top-rated units currently available. Keep in mind that you want a dryer with features that suit your preference. No appliance fits all tastes, which is why it is vital to go with one that suits your preference!

Best Travel Hair Dryers

1. Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer

Panasonic Compact Hair DryerPanasonic uses Nanoe technology for different hair products, including flat irons, dryer, etc. The same approach was used in this unit and implementing it was a smart move.
Nanoe’s task is to identify any air moisture and infuse your hair with it. That benefits your overall hair health and appearance and reduces the damage that brushing may cause.
The hairdryer seems quite effective with its 1,400W of power. Although you can find more powerful units on our list, this is also enough, especially if you are not looking to quick-dry your hair. And even when you do, you can use the highest airflow setting. Depending on your hair type, you can also use cool and medium airflow.
The handle of the dryer is foldable, which makes it easy to pack and transport. Ultimately, Panasonic undoubtedly designed a convenient and useful solution for keeping your hair dry and beautiful on your travels.

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2. Wazor Pro Professional Dual Voltage Hair Dryer

MHU Pro Dual Voltage Hair DryerWe are used to hairdryers making a lot of noise, but MHU proved that it doesn’t have to be the case. Their Pro dryer manages to stay quiet even if you use the high-speed setting and maximum 1875W of power. You can also go for low speed, or use the cool shot feature to style your hair.
MHU used a mixture of ceramic and tourmaline to keep your hair from over-drying. At the same time, flyaway and frizz will be minimal thanks to the ionic technology.
The dryer seems light and compact-sized, which makes it suitable for travel. If you want to put it in your suitcase or luggage, fold the handle, and it will take minimum space. Keep in mind that the nozzle attachment is prone to falling off, so be careful while transporting or operating the dryer.
The product also has dual voltage support, which means you can use it anywhere in the world.

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3. Remington Compact Ionic Travel Hair Dryer

Remington-Compact-Ionic-Travel-Hair-DryerThe appliance has 1,876W of power, which makes it the strongest unit on our list. If you have thick or dense hair that is hard to dry and style, this unit may be of assistance. Remington uses the familiar ionic technology to prevent static and hair damage.
The dryer is easy to use and control thanks to the buttons on the front of the handle. You have three different heat settings and two different speeds at your disposal. Users who care about the environment will appreciate the eco-friendly energy-efficient option.
It is interesting to mention that the dryer doesn’t have a front nozzle attachment. That may be tricky to get used to, but it doesn’t affect the performance or the results. You shouldn’t have any doubts that Remington knows how to design products that will style and nurture your hair.

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4. Conair miniPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer

CONAIR MINIPRO TOURMALINE CERAMIC DRYERThe first thing we noticed was the cool red design. Conair designed maybe the sleekest looking device on our list. It turned out later that the hairdryer combined aesthetics and performance well.
The ceramic tourmaline approach is quite common in the haircare product market for a reason. It helps to resist frizz and dry your hair without damaging it.
Once you take the product in your hands, you will realize how light it is. The adjustment settings are quite standard – you can choose between high and low speed, and select hot or cool mode, which enables you to dry and style your hair at the same time.
Although the blow dryer only has 1200W of power, it is quite loud on the highest setting. Despite that, it will come in handy during travels. The handle is foldable, and it will fit easily into any suitcase or bag.

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5. Conair 1600 Watt Compact Hair Dryer

CONAIR 1600-WATT FOLDING HANDLE DRYERHere is another hairdryer manufactured by Conair. The appliance is different than the previous in two important things. First, it is more powerful as it features 1600W of power. Second, its upper part is narrower, which results in an unusual design.
Although it may take a bit of time to get used to this feature and avoid burning effect on your hair, it makes the appliance even easier for transport. It will easily fit into the luggage of any size.
The appliance also has dual voltage, which means you can plug it into any power socket out there. The power cord is five-feet long, which will give you a lot of maneuverability.
The customization options are also there. They are quite standard – two different speeds and temperature settings, but the difference is that the buttons are on the back of the handle.

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6. Revlon 1875W Compact & Lightweight IONIC Hair Dryer

Revlon-1875W-Compact-&-Lightweight-IONIC-Hair-DryerYou can choose between three color variations, but the mixture of pink and gray with the black cord seemed most attractive to us. Revlon is another company that takes advantage of ionic technology. It is a recipe that works to promote hair shine while reducing static and frizz, and there is no reason why they wouldn’t use it.
Although this dryer is compact and light, it packs quite a punch. You will have 1875W of power to dry your hair. If that is too much, turn down the heat setting. Alternatively, use low and high speed to style every hair the way you want.
The handle is comfortable, and it features bumpers that will prevent the device from slipping out from your hands. Additionally, you will get a handing ring that will make the storage even easier. It is a shame that it is not a dual voltage, but you can resolve that with an extension.

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Travel Hair Dryer Buying Guide

Best Travel Hair DryersDo you know what features you should look for in a travel hair dryer? If you are frequently traveling and you want to use this device during your trips, that should be your main consideration during the purchasing process.

Check out the buying guide below to learn more about the specifics of travel blow dryers, and find out how to pick a suitable device.

How to Choose the Best Travel Hair Dryer

Although travel-friendly features should be your primary concern, that doesn’t mean you can neglect other factors that affect the performance of your hair dryer. Here is a list of things to consider when choosing these appliances.

  1. Assess the Weight of Your Hair Dryer

    Let’s start with the features that are most important for a travel-friendly hair dryer. Apart from dual voltage, which we will consider later, you should assess the weight of your appliance.
    The usual weight of blow dryers is around a pound, and that is acceptable for both use and transport. You want to avoid devices significantly heavier than that because they might be difficult to carry around, but also inconvenient for long-term use.
    Apart from the weight of the device itself, consider the total weight of the package. Some appliances will come with a variety of attachments, which increases the heaviness of the box. You can consider not taking all attachments with you to lighten the package.

  2. Size and Foldability

    You probably guessed that size is also a factor when it comes to hair dryer portability. If you have the opportunity, go with the smallest unit out there. However, keep in mind that it may take more time working with compact-sized devices to get your desired hairstyle.
    Some manufacturers used a neat trick to reduce the transport size of their hair dryers. They implemented the foldability feature, which allows you to fold the handle and save some space.
    That feature is not only travel-friendly, but it also ensures that it is easier to store the product at home when you are not using it.

  3. Why Is Cord Length Important?

    It may seem unusual, but the cord can affect the portability of a hair dryer. In most cases, the cord is permanently connected to the device. If the cable is quite long, you will need to wrap it around the appliance a lot of time, and it will still take a considerable amount of space.
    That won’t happen with short cords, but they might cause an issue when using the blow dryer. It is vital that the cable reaches the power socket and allows comfortable maneuvering while using the device. A tight cord is a safety hazard, and you don’t know how far the socket will be in the room where you’ll be staying.
    That is why the wisest thing to do is to stick to standard cord lengths, which are around six feet. That way, the cable won’t take a lot of room when packing, and you can maneuver the appliance easily.

  4. Bring in the Heat!

    A hair dryer is an appliance that helps to dry and style your hair. Since you will be styling it in the process, it is vital to ensure you use the optimal heat level for your hair type.
    If you have thin and sensitive hair, even low and moderate heat settings will be suitable. However, if your hair is naturally black, or otherwise strong and coarse, you may need as much heat as possible.
    The temperature a hair dryer can achieve is directly related to the strength of its heater. The heater power may vary from 1,000W to 2,000W or more.
    The majority of units are between 1,300W and 1,875W, and they should fit most hair types. You should choose a more powerful unit only if you have hair that is very hard to tame and style.
    When it comes to thin and sensitive hair, you may benefit from adjustable temperature settings. These allow you to choose from multiple heat levels. That gives you a bigger chance of finding a level perfectly suitable for your hair.
    You don’t want to use excessive heat if that is not necessary because it increases the risk of hair damage. That is why the idea is to keep the heat settings low unless your hair is so strong that it requires higher temperatures.

  5. Why Do the Hair Dryers Need a Cool Shot Function?

    You might have noticed that some hair dryers have a feature to use a blast of cool air. That is a convenient function that can help you to keep your hair in place.
    Once you style your hair the way you want it, use cool shot to make it stay in its position for longer. That may be particularly helpful for hair that refuses to listen. It cannot do wonders, but you will notice that the results last for longer than you might expect.

  6. Other Features to Consider

    Here is an overview of other features worth considering for your hair dryer:

    • Infrared or ionic technology – infrared heating is great for sensitive hair prone to damage as it works on drying your hair from the inside. Ionic technology works on neutralizing ions that your hair emits, which can be important to minimize frizz.
    • Ergonomic handle – an ergonomic handle is important for the convenient use of the appliance, especially when you use it for a long time.
    • Design – these devices come in various color combinations and designs, so make sure to pick the one that fits your preference.

A Guide to Hair Dryer Attachments

Apart from the main features, you should also consider the attachments for your hair dryer. These are the most common attachments:

  • Concentrator nozzle – it is the most frequently used attachment as its task is to direct airflow and improve styling efforts.
  • Diffusers – these are great if you have curls and waves. Their goal is to disperse the airflow to cover a bigger surface. Thanks to that, diffusers may help to reduce the frizz. To check out in-depth reviews of hair dryers for curly hair!
  • Picks – these attachments are excellent if you are looking for volume. However, make sure to choose a pick proportional to your hair length.

It is up to you to pick your favorite attachment, but we strongly advise to use one. Otherwise, you risk the lip section of your appliance, getting in touch with your hair and hands. Excessive heat is created at the lip, which may lead to burns. Attachments act as a protective layer to prevent any burning mishaps.

Hair Dryer Travel Safety Tips

Most of these travel safety tips are related to common sense, but we still feel the need to mention them. Take a look at how to keep safety at a maximum level, and protect your device when traveling.

  • Think about putting the product in a case. Some manufacturers secure a box or a case for the hair dryer, and that may be convenient when traveling.
  • If you pack the appliance without any protective case, make sure you tuck it in between other items. The idea is to prevent any damage if someone accidentally drops or hits your luggage during transport.
  • Never leave your hair dryer unattended when it is active. It is vital to unplug the device as soon as you finish the process. Make sure the appliance doesn’t stay plugged in overnight. It is a safety risk and may cause shorts and even fires.

What Is a Dual Voltage Hair Dryer?

A dual voltage hair dryer is a travel-friendly appliance that allows you to use the device anywhere in the world. If we want to be precise, it means that you can use the blow dryer in any power socket in the world as long as you have the right plug type.
Dual voltage supports the device working on either 110V or 220V. Some devices will require flipping a switch between two voltages, others come with an adapter, but the important thing is that you can use them with both options.

How Do I Know If My Hair Dryer Is Dual Voltage?

If you still haven’t bought the hair dryer, make sure to read product description carefully. The manufacturer will pinpoint that their device supports dual voltage. Furthermore, they might emphasize it as a travel-friendly feature.
Alternatively, you may have already purchased a blow dryer, and you need to determine whether it is dual voltage. In that case, you want to inspect the nameplate of the appliance. It contains all the relevant technical information, and it will tell you details about the voltage.

The information on the rating plate will look somewhat like this:

  • 110V-220V
  • 120V-240V
  • 60Hz 120V / 50Hz 240V

If the voltage information contains two values, consider that a confirmation that your appliance can work on both voltages.
On the other hand, if it only has one value (240V, or 60Hz 120V) for voltage, it will only work with power sockets of the mentioned rating. Please don’t try to use them with unsuitable electrical sockets as you may ruin the device, and cause other serious safety issues.
Apart from the voltage, you also need to ensure that the product fits the power socket of the country you are visiting. You have different plug types available throughout the world. It is vital to inform yourself whether the plug on your hair dryer will meet the requirements of the sockets in your destination country.

What Should I Do If My Hair Dryer Is Not Dual Voltage?

If you established that your hair dryer is not dual voltage, and you expect to travel to another country, you have several options available.
First, make sure to check which voltage is used in the destination country. It may use the same voltage as your home country. In that case, you can take your blow dryer without worrying about whether it will work.
If you established that the destination country uses different voltage, you might consider buying accessories for your hair dryer.

You will need the following:

  • Converter – its task is to convert the voltage from the power socket into the value that fits your device. These accessories to a serious job, which is why a reliable converter can be pricey.
  • Adapter – it is another accessory that ensures you can use the current plug for sockets in the destination country. Several plug types exist, so make sure to choose the right one.

Unfortunately, buying these accessories is often quite expensive. That is why it may be cheaper to purchase another hair dryer that supports dual voltage. Fortunately, you can already find a list of suitable appliances in our review section.

Why You Should Think Twice Before Using a Hotel Hair Dryer

How do you choose your hotel? You probably have preferences when it comes to room size and amenities, and one of the items on the list might be the existence of a hair dryer in your room.

We can’t blame you because it may be a hassle to pack your blow dryer and carry it with you, especially if you are going to another country. However, experts suggest that there is one important reason why you should bring your hair dryer rather than using the one provided by the hotel.

The reason why you should avoid hotel blow dryers is their cleanliness. We are certain that a clean room, and overall cleanliness of the facility, are a major factor when choosing your accommodation.
But, although everything else might be clean, that’s often not the case with blow dryers. The staff ensures to disinfect all the items in the bathroom, including sinks, toilets, etc. The sad truth is they often forget about disinfecting hair dryers, which leaves a plethora of germs on these appliances.

The worst part is that you can’t know what the previous guests did with the blow dryer. We don’t want to go into extremes, but let’s say that there is a realistic chance they’ve touched the appliance with dirty hands.
That is how germs get onto the device. If the staff ignores to disinfect the appliance, the next visitors of the room (e.g., you) are set to get those germs. These can be viruses that transfer diarrhea, cold, flu, etc.

Some hotels might not change their hair dryers for years, and the cleaning staff may not clean them once during that process. Now, imagine that you grab an appliance like that with your hands. Why would you risk that for a small effort of bringing your hair dryer with you?

It doesn’t mean you should avoid staying in hotels, especially if you choose carefully and pick a reputable facility. The overall cleanliness level can be admirable, but hair dryers are the appliance the staff might miss.
That is why you should pack your device with you, and rest assured that you stay germ-free. On top of that, you will have a device that you learned to work with, which will ensure that you achieve the desired style.

FAQs & Answers

  • Q: Can I carry a hair dryer in my hand luggage?
    A: The chances are that you can put a hair dryer in your hand luggage and carry it into the plane. Although no law is stopping you from doing that, you should still check with your airport and airline. The regulations may vary from one airline to another, which is why you should look for official confirmation.
  • Q: What hair products should I use during and after blow-drying my hair?
    A: Apart from using a shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair, you want to use a heat-protectant spray before blow-drying it. That way, you will add a protective layer to keep your hair safe from damage.
    After you finish drying your hair, you can use relaxers for thick and coarse hair, or style sprays for sensitive hair. Either way, look for formulas with natural ingredients that nourish your hair and strengthen the follicles.
  • Q: Can blow dryers cause hair loss?
    A: If you follow instructions and avoid burning your hair, scalp, and skin with the blow dryer, the device won’t cause hair loss. However, if you notice excessive hair loss during the drying process, it is vital to get to the bottom of the problem.
    We would advise contacting a medical professional right away. Until you discover the problem behind hair loss, try not to use blow dryers as often as before.

If you have natural hair, you may also like to visit our picks for the best hair dryers for fine hair and buying guide of hair dryers for natural black hair!

Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the high-quality pro-level dryer reviews.

Wrap Up

We hope that you are now familiar with the features that the best travel hair dryer should have. The most useful addition is undoubtedly dual voltage support. It is a surefire way to ensure that you can use the blow dryer with all 110V and 220V sockets throughout the world.
Additionally, you want to make sure that your chosen hair dryer is lightweight. That is important for both transport and the use of the appliance. It will take less room in your suitcase, and you can also use it without feeling fatigued in your hands.
You don’t want to ignore other features, either. For example, pick a heat range and appliance power that suits your hair type. You may also benefit from an ergonomic handle, as well as different attachments that enable a bigger variety of achievable hairstyles.
Now that you are familiar with the factors to consider, please return to our travel hair dryer reviews and pick a device that meets your needs.

1 thought on “7 Best Travel Hair Dryers – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2023)”

  1. The best hair dryers for fine hair use ceramic elements because these provide a moist heat that is ideal for vulnerable hair types, preventing breakage and heat damage while improving health and shine. The most comprehensive guide I ve seen heree thanks!

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